ICU – “I SEE YOU” PODCAST
Traveling With A Dizziness or Imbalance Disorder
LISTEN NOW
APPLE PODCASTS SPOTIFY YOUTUBE
Available wherever you get your podcasts.
Traveling with a vestibular illness can feel impossible and problematic. Obstacles like rapid altitude changes, visual disturbances, patterned airport carpets, and passive motion can amplify symptoms. Many people with vestibular dysfunction need accommodations or restrictions to prevent symptoms, attacks, or flare-ups. Having a vestibular disorder should not prevent someone from traveling. On this episode of the ICU – “I See You” podcast, we talk with two vestibular patients who are also professional travelers!
About the Guests
Arthur Wooten is an award-winning playwright and novelist who works for PASSPORT magazine as a feature travel writer. In 2005, Arthur developed a life-changing diagnosis of bilateral vestibular loss, and, to this day, he still experiences symptoms 24/7. In 2011 Arthur wanted to share the devastating yet surprisingly encouraging aspects of having a vestibular disorder, which resulted in his fictional memoir, DIZZY. The characters are fictional but the medical storyline is all Arthur’s.
Cynthia Connell is a travel agent with Personal Travel Management in Vancouver, Canada and a certified Spanish to English translator. She got her start in the travel industry over 20 years ago as a tour leader, taking small groups of international travelers around Mexico and Central America on 2-3 week trips. She specializes in adventure travel and has set her wandering feet on all seven continents. Her journey as a vestibular patient began in 2019 with a diagnosis of vestibular neuritis, which moved on to PPPD and possible vestibular migraine.
Hosts
Cynthia Ryan, Executive Director of the Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA) https://vestibular.org/
Kimberly Warner, Founder and Director of Unfixed Media https://unfixedmedia.com/
This podcast is a co-production of the Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA) and Unfixed Media.
Summary
The ICU Podcast’s latest episode offers an inspiring and practical look at how individuals with vestibular disorders can continue to explore the world despite challenging symptoms. Hosts Kimberly Warner and Cynthia Ryan delve into a conversation with two remarkable travelers, Arthur Wooten and Cynthia Connell, who refuse to let their vestibular conditions hold them back.
Arthur Wooten, an award-winning playwright and travel writer, shares his life-altering journey that began in December 2005. What started as a seemingly normal day quickly transformed when he experienced sudden hearing loss in his left ear and loss of taste and smell. After months of medical uncertainty, he was diagnosed with bilateral vestibular loss – a condition that would permanently change his life. Despite experiencing 24/7 symptoms, Wooten didn’t let his diagnosis stop him. He became a travel writer in 2017, launching a blog called “The Dizzy Traveler” and writing feature articles for travel magazines.
Cynthia Connel’s vestibular journey began more recently in July 2019. Her sudden onset of symptoms came without warning – while at work, she experienced a room-spinning sensation that quickly escalated to complete disability. She couldn’t walk, sit up, or look at screens. Her recovery was gradual, taking months to regain basic functionality, and she eventually returned to her career as a travel agent specializing in adventure travel.
Both travelers shared candid insights into managing travel with vestibular disorders. Their key message? Don’t give up on exploring the world. They offered practical advice for fellow vestibular patients, such as:
- Start Small: Begin with short, local trips and gradually increase the complexity of your travel.
- Be Flexible: Be prepared to adjust your plans and listen to your body’s needs.
- Communicate: Don’t be afraid to ask for help or explain your condition to travel companions and providers.
- Plan Rest: Build extra recovery days into your travel itinerary.
Surprisingly, both found unexpected relief in certain travel experiences. Cruises, for instance, seemed to minimize their symptoms. Arthur noted that on one rough-weather cruise, he felt more stable than on solid ground. Cynthia discovered that whale-watching trips and boat experiences could be surprisingly manageable.
The conversation highlighted the mental and physical challenges of vestibular disorders. Both speakers emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive attitude and celebrating small victories. Arthur’s mantra resonated deeply: “Life is my therapy now, and I have to embrace that.”
Their most powerful advice for those afraid to travel? Remember how far you’ve come. Cynthia encouraged listeners to reflect on their initial diagnosis and acknowledge their progress. Arthur suggested that putting yourself back into life, even when it’s challenging, is crucial for recovery.
The podcast doesn’t sugarcoat the difficulties. They candidly discussed canceling trips, managing symptoms, and the emotional toll of living with a vestibular disorder. Yet, their stories are ultimately triumphant. They’ve found ways to continue traveling, working, and experiencing the world.
For those struggling with vestibular disorders, this episode offers more than just travel tips. It provides hope. It demonstrates that a diagnosis doesn’t have to mean the end of adventures. With preparation, patience, and a positive attitude, travel remains possible.
As the hosts concluded, the message is clear: vestibular disorders are challenging, but they don’t define you. Your journey continues, one step at a time.
